My Dark Vanessa

Trigger Warning - But Written with Haunting Beauty

Fair warning - this novel may be a trigger to some readers. This is the story of Vanessa Wye and her relationship with her high school English teacher, Jacob Strane. Starting at the age of 15, Strane grooms Vanessa into becoming involved in what she defines as a romantic relationship. 20 years later, when another student comes out with allegations against Strane, Vanessa is contacted by a journalist as to her history with Strane. This sends Vanessa into a period of reflection on her life and what the truth was between herself and Strane. This is the first work by Kate Elizabeth Russell and is written in a truly compelling fashion. Her writing style begins slowly and deliberately, building tension and reeling the reader into the story of these people. This reflects on the sexualization of young women, ala Lolita up to the #MeToo movement. A thoroughly thought out story written at a time of cultural reckoning.